Research Professional; Limited-Term

Position Summary

The Gamebird and Managed Ecosystems (GAME) Lab is seeking a motivated and experienced Research Professional to serve as a project leader on a Northern Bobwhite project in the Rolling Plains of Texas. The project will examine effects of parasites on survival and reproductive success while also evaluating the efficacy of treating birds using fenbendazole (FBZ) in a double‑blind experiment. This experiment will involve holding wild birds in captivity for up to five days, where a portion of birds receive a placebo and another portion are treated with FBZ;

a third treatment group will be a control group of bobwhites trapped and released immediately. The successful candidate will work with state agency and private lands staff to coordinate research activities on private and state‑owned land, hire, train, and supervise seasonal field technicians, and conduct quail trapping and radio‑tagging, telemetry tracking, vegetation surveys, data entry and management, report writing, and other duties as assigned.

The position requires working non‑typical hours with morning and nighttime work needed at different times of the year.
This position has a limited‑term appointment term which is expected to end August 31, 2027. The position may be extended beyond the initial term, contingent upon continued funding.

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Bachelor's degree (Master's preferred) in Wildlife Science, Ecology, Biology, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience in gamebird or wildlife field research, including trapping, telemetry, and data management
• Strong leadership and organizational skills, with proven ability to manage personnel and coordinate multi‑faceted field operations
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working with various stakeholders
• Valid driver's license and ability to work outdoors in variable and sometimes harsh field conditions

• Conduct field research – trapping and tagging quail, vegetation surveys, and tracking quail
• Supervise field technicians – hiring, training, and supervisory duties
• Perform data entry and management of field data
• Coordinate research activities with sponsors, write reports to sponsors and principal investigators

• Highly motivated with the ability to work independently, plan ahead, and lead a field crew with a strong work ethic
• Knowledge of avian ecology
• Experience with ArcGIS, data management, capturing and tagging birds, and using radio telemetry
• Ability/knowledge of safely driving 404 trucks and off‑road vehicles such as UTVs

• Driving as needed to perform job duties
• Sitting at a computer
• Field work occurring at odd hours and in varying environmental conditions
• Driving is a responsibility of this position (Yes)

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb).